Optimization of the Electrochemical Performance of a Composite Polymer Electrolyte Based on PVA-K2CO3-SiO2 Composite

Abstract

Composite polymer electrolyte (CPE) based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer, potassium carbonate (K2CO3) salt, and silica (SiO2) filler was investigated and optimized in this study for improved ionic conductivity and potential window for use in electrochemical devices. Various quantities of SiO2 in wt.% were incorporated into PVA-K2CO3 complex to prepare the CPEs. To study the effect of SiO2 on PVA-K2CO3 composites, the developed electrolytes were characterized for their chemical structure (FTIR), morphology (FESEM), thermal stabilities (TGA), glass transition temperature (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)), ionic conductivity using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potential window using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Physicochemical characterization results based on thermal and structural analysis indicated that the addition of SiO2 enhanced the amorphous region of the PVA-K2CO3 composites which enhanced the dissociation of the K2CO3 salt into K+ and CO32− and thus resulting in an increase of the ionic conduction of the electrolyte. An optimum ionic conductivity of 3.25 × 10−4 and 7.86 × 10−3 mScm−1 at ambient temperature and at 373.15 K, respectively, at a potential window of 3.35 V was observed at a composition of 15 wt.% SiO2. From FESEM micrographs, the white granules and aggregate seen on the surface of the samples confirm that SiO2 particles have been successfully dispersed into the PVA-K2CO3 matrix. The observed ionic conductivity increased linearly with increase in temperature confirming the electrolyte as temperature-dependent. Based on the observed performance, it can be concluded that the CPEs based on PVA-K2CO3-SiO2 composites could serve as promising candidate for portable and flexible next generation energy storage devices.

Facile Preparation of Drug-Releasing Supramolecular Hydrogel for Preventing Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesion

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Substantial Proton Ion Conduction in Methylcellulose/Pectin/Ammonium Chloride Based Solid Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes: Effect of ZnO Nanofiller

“…Researchers have recently shown great interest in developing polymer electrolytes (PEs) with specific properties, such as high ionic conductivity at ambient temperature, biodegradability, excellent mechanical properties, and robust performance in lightweight and thin energy storage systems [ 1 ]. Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are one focus of research, due to their broad potential window and high ionic conductivity (close to that of liquid electrolytes) [ 2 ]. However, the fragile mechanical properties, internal short circuits, and restricted operating temperature of GPEs limit their practical applications in batteries and supercapacitors [ 2 , 3 ].…”

Robust Antiwater and Anti-oil-fouling Double-Sided Tape Enabled by SiO2 Reinforcement and a Liquefied Surface

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